Gaming machine system with shared display of game events

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing shared display of game events between a gaming machine and a secondary display server. Game events are initially displayed on a primary display of the gaming machine and, on the occurrence of a triggering event during play of the game on the gaming machine, a connection is established via a network protocol between the gaming machine and a secondary display server remotely located from the gaming machine. Display data is then transferred across the connection causing the game events to be displayed on the secondary display as well as the primary display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/670,448 entitled Shared Display of GameEvents, which was filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Officeon Apr. 12, 2005, the specification of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronic gaming machines and, moreparticularly, to gaming machines displaying certain game events on botha primary and secondary display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines such as mechanically driven slot machines have been astaple of the gaming and entertainment industries for years. With theadvent of computers, electronic forms of gaming machines such as videoslots, video bingo, video poker, video keno and video blackjack haveemerged and become increasingly popular. Such electronic devicescontinue to grow in popularity with the development of enhancedcomputer-generated graphics and sounds, making them more attractive to awider audience of participants.

With the recent growth in the electronic gaming machine market,competition between manufacturers to place their equipment in availablevenues has become fierce. When selecting which machines to put intotheir facilities, the operators of gaming establishments give paramountconsideration to their patrons' perception of a game as entertaining andexciting. To this end, manufacturers and designers of video gamingmachines have recently added secondary or bonus games to the base gamewhich are typically triggered by an event during base game play. Forexample, in a video slot machine, a certain alignment of symbols maytake the player to a bonus round where he or she can select one ofseveral race cars appearing on a track. After the selection has beenmade, a computer generated race is displayed on the display screen.Depending upon the position the selected race finishes, the player isgiven a bonus such as a cash payout or additional game credits. Suchbonus game plays are exciting to the player because the player isprovided with a new level of competition that is not part of the basegame.

Other systems provide networked gaming machines functionality with asecondary game displayed on a large screen. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.6,375,567 discloses a system where a group of gaming machines isinterconnected by a network and a primary game is played on theindividual gaming machines. When an operating parameter of the gamingmachines reaches a threshold value (e.g., total coins played) asecondary game is initiated form one of the gaming machines. Thesecondary game is displayed on a second screen above the gaming machinesand is common to the group of gaming machines. In the embodimentdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,567 the primary game is a slot machineand the secondary game is a spinning wheel. While the secondary game isdisplayed on the screen that is common to all gaming machines, theprimary game is not. As such, in the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,375,567 the secondary game is common to all the gaming machines, whichlimits the variety of events on the display common to the gamingmachines to entice spectators to become new players. Further, in thesystem disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,567, it is the secondary gamethat shown to the players at the networked gaming machines through thecommon display, not the primary game, which is the game played the mostat the gaming machines.

Such approaches are of minimal effectiveness to entice potential playersto play the primary game and to continue to play for an extended periodof time due to the limited exposure of the primary game that individualgame devices offer spectators who represent potential players of thegames. For example, a typical video gaming machine has a display thatcan only be viewed by the player and a few individuals standing directlybehind the player. Such limitations not only can lessen theeffectiveness of attracting new players but can also lessen theeffectiveness of retaining current players whose motivation andenthusiasm can be influenced by the viewing and reactions of spectators.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for new approaches to attractand retain players of gaming machines. Such approaches should, amongother things, provide exposure of gaming events associated with aprimary game to a large number of spectators to facilitate moreeffective attraction and retention of players to the game devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providingshared display of game events between a gaming machine and a secondarydisplay server. Game events are initially displayed on a primary displayof the gaming machine and, on the occurrence of a triggering eventduring play of the game on the gaming machine, a connection isestablished via a network protocol between the gaming machine and asecondary display server remotely located from the gaming machine.Display data is then transferred across the connection causing the gameevents to be displayed on the secondary display as well as the primarydisplay.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is discloseda gaming machine system for providing shared display of game eventswhich includes a gaming machine having a primary display, a processorfor controlling the game events displayed on the primary display using asoftware program stored in a memory storage device associated with thegaming machine and a secondary display server in communication with thegaming machine over a network and remotely located from the gamingmachine. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event during play of thegame played on the gaming machine, data is transferred between thegaming machine and the secondary display server. Upon the occurrence ofthe triggering event, the secondary display receives data from thesecondary display server and displays the game events displayed on theprimary display of the gaming machine.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the secondary displaydisplays a attract graphics prior to displaying the game eventsdisplayed on the primary display of the gaming machine. The attractgraphics can include advertisements, progressive jackpot information andgraphics associated with a game displayed on the primary display.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machineand the secondary display server are in communication via an Ethernetconnection.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the secondarydisplay is a large screen monitor

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the game played onthe gaming machine includes video bingo, video Blackjack, video poker,video keno and video slots.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machineincludes at least one interface including a series of electromechanicalbuttons to control game events on the primary display of the gamingmachine.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the primary displayof the gaming machine includes at least one touch screen interface,wherein the touch screen interface accepts commands to alter game eventsoccurring on the gaming machine.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machineincludes a wager input interface such as a bill acceptor, a ticketreader or a magnetic card reader.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the data transferredbetween the gaming machine and the secondary display server is inExtensible Markup Language (XML) format.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the network operatesaccording to a network protocol selected from the group consisting ofTransmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isdisclosed a method of providing shared display of game events between agaming machine and a secondary display server which includes the stepsof accepting a wager at a gaming machine via a wager input interface anddisplaying a certain game events on the primary display of the gamingmachine in response to the initiation of game play via the interface.Upon the occurrence of a triggering event occurring during play of thegame on the gaming machine, the additional step of establishing aconnection via a network protocol between the gaming machine and asecondary display server remotely located from the gaming machine isperformed in which data, including the game events, is transferredacross the connection, and the game events displayed on the primarydisplay are simultaneously displayed on the secondary display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2. shows an exemplary gaming machine for playing an electronic gamein accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the secondary display server inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4. shows a schematic diagram showing a gaming system embodying theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 5. shows an exemplary flowchart of a gaming machine system having ashared display of game events in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for displaying sharedimages of game events on multiple displays. The system includes one ormore gaming machines networked to a secondary display server thatcontrols a secondary display. In accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the invention, each of the gaming machines comprises a cabinet forhousing electronic components necessary for operation of game play and aprimary video display for displaying game events, and the secondarydisplay server comprises a standard PC and a secondary display. Thesecondary display is located remote from the gaming machines andpositioned in such a manner as to allow it to be viewed by a largeaudience of spectators. Prior to receiving input from one of the gamingmachines, the PC associated with the secondary display runs a scriptcausing the secondary display to display attraction graphics such asadvertisements or progressive jackpot information.

During play of the one or more gaming machines, a triggering event, suchas a winning combination (or hand) or the entry into a bonus round,causes a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) orUser Datagram Protocol (UDP) connection to be established with thesecondary display server allowing the secondary display to mirror theimages presented on the primary video display. Alternatively, thesecondary display may alter the images presented by adding attractgraphics to the display of the game events on the secondary display, orshow the game events in an instant replay, slow motion, or otherwisemanipulate the secondary display of the events to add to the excitementand interest of spectators as well as the player. This process ofdisplaying the game events on the secondary display may continue untilthe end of the triggering event, the end of the round of the game beingdisplayed or other length of time, whereupon the secondary display ofthe secondary display server reverts to the display of the attractiongraphics until the next signal is received from one of the gamingmachines.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, during playof a game on the one or more gaming machines, the occurrence of atriggering event associated with the primary game, such as a winningcombination or hand or entry into a bonus round, causes as signal to besent to the secondary display server whereupon the secondary displaywill mirror the images presented on the primary display. Upontermination of the triggering event, the secondary display ceases thedisplay of the game events displayed on the primary display and awaitsthe next triggering event from a networked gaming machine.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements.

The present invention is described below with reference to blockdiagrams and a flowchart according to an embodiment of the invention. Itwill be understood that each block of the block diagrams, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams, respectively, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus create meansfor implementing the functionality of each block of the block diagrams,or combinations of blocks in the block diagrams discussed in detail inthe descriptions below.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meansthat implement the function specified in the block or blocks. Thecomputer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theblock or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams support combinations of meansfor performing the specified functions, combinations of steps forperforming the specified functions and program instruction means forperforming the specified functions. It will also be understood that eachblock of the block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computersystems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinationsof special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The inventions may be implemented through an application program runningon an operating system of a computer. The inventions also may bepracticed with other computer system configurations, including hand-helddevices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor based or programmableconsumer electronics, mini-computers, mainframe computers, etc.

Application programs that are components of the invention may includeroutines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that implementcertain abstract data types or perform certain tasks, actions, or tasks.In a distributed computing environment, the application program (inwhole or in part) may be located in local memory, or in other storage.In addition, or in the alternative, the application program (in whole orin part) may be located in remote memory or in storage to allow for thepractice of the inventions where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices linked through a communications network. Exemplaryembodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described withreference to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout the several drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine 100 for playing anelectronic game in accordance with the present invention. In theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 includes variouselectronic components necessary for operation of the gaming machine 100.These components may include a memory storage device 102 such as a flashmemory card or hard drive, a computer processor 104, I/O interfaces 106and a network interface 108. The various functions of the gaming machine100 discussed herein are controlled by the processor 104 utilizingvarious software programs stored in the memory storage device 102.

The gaming machine 100 contains one or more I/O interfaces 106. Theseinterfaces may include a display, touch-screen display, microphones,speakers, buttons, mouse, joystick, a keyboard or other user interfacesappreciable by one of ordinary skill in the art. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine 100 alsoincludes a wager input interface as part of its I/O interfaces 106through the use of which a player receives game credits available towager. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wagerinput interface is a bill acceptor into which a player inserts papercurrency and receives credit on the gaming machine 100 for the amountdeposited. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, thewager input interface is a magnetic card reader into which the playerplaces a plastic card magnetically encoded with a monetary valuepurchased from a cashier's station or vending machine. In still anotheralternate embodiment of the present invention, the wager input interfaceis a ticket reader into which the player places a paper ticket bearingan encoded monetary value into the wager input interface and is creditedwith the monetary value. The wager input interface may also be a coinslot, credit card reader or other means known in the art. Further, theI/O interfaces 106 may also include printers, coin dispensers, ticketdispenser and other such I/O interfaces appreciated by one of ordinaryskill capable of dispensing a player's remaining credits and/or winnings(i.e., “cashing out”).

Also included in the gaming machine 100 is a memory storage device 102where various game data such as winning bingo card patterns or winningpoker or blackjack hands and the corresponding pay schedule (i.e., paytables, which are utilized to determine the value of the awards payablefor such patterns or hands) are stored. The memory storage device 102also stores game software 110 necessary to play a game on the gamingmachine 100 and an operating system 112 for use by the computerprocessor 104 in controlling the various functions of the gaming machine100, such as the calling of various software routines and operatingvarious system hardware and interfaces such as the I/O interfaces 106and network interfaces 108.

The memory storage device 102 resides within the gaming machine 100, or,in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the memorystorage device 102 may reside remote from the gaming machine 100. Forexample, the memory storage device 102, and some or all of its storedcontent, may reside on a central machine or server where two or moregaming machines 100 are networked together. In such a case, the gamingmachine communicates with the central machine or server through anetwork interface 108. The network interface 108 allows the gamingmachine 100 to simply communicate with a transmission portal such as aserver or router, and the necessary software program functions could berun remote from the gaming machine 100 all together.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user may enterwager information utilizing the gaming machine's I/O interface 106. Thewager information is stored in the memory storage device 102. Next, thecomputer processor 104 utilizes an operating system which in turn callsthe game program to run the game on the gaming machine 100 as discussedin further detail below in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

When a game is over, the user's winnings are determined by the processor104 running applicable game software. The user may continue to play anew game or the player may “cash out.” When “cashing out,” the processor104 operates the dispensing of the user's remaining credits and/orwinnings. After one user ends his or her play, the gaming machine 100 isreset for another user to begin play.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a number of gamingmachines 100 may be in communication with to a server through a network.The network can be a dedicated private network including a LAN, WAN, TIconnection, or a public network such as the Internet. The network canalso be one which supports any networking protocol including InternetProtocol, FTP, Telnet, TCP/IP, UDP, Point to Point Protocol (PPP),Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP), or other public orprivate networking protocol. Secured or encrypted network protocols suchas secured HTTPS protocol and other secure methods of data transfer overpublic networks appreciable by one of ordinary skill in the art and/oruser ID and password protected log-in security features may also beutilized. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the useof a dedicated server allows the gaming machines 100 to be remotelyaccessed through the Internet or some other network such as a privateIntranet, LAN, WAN, TI connection, or other networking configurationsappreciable by one of ordinary skill in the art. The requisitearchitecture for networking a series of games is well known in the artand is not discussed further herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes the abovedescribed network configuration, a plurality of machines may benetworked together in which case a processor and the operationalsoftware that implements one or more aspects of the game played on thegaming machine 100 may reside on a central computer or server andcontrol each individual gaming machine 100 in the network.

FIG. 2. depicts a video gaming machine 100 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. It is noted that the term “gamingmachine” may refer to any device, activity or mode of play for gaming(i.e., gambling or redemption), amusement, competition, or otherpurposes. Additionally, “gaming machine” may refer to a “stand alone”player station or console in which case the outcome of game play isdetermined locally or part of a server-based network of gaming machinesin which case the outcome of game play is centrally determined. Thegaming machine 100 includes a cabinet 202 housing a primary display 204for displaying game events. The primary display 204 may be a mechanicaldisplay such as used in traditional slot machines or a video displaysuch as a flat panel LCD as used in electronic games such as videobingo, video slots, video poker, video keno or video blackjack. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine 100 includes aprogressive display 205 for displaying the value of any progressivejackpot that may be available in the case where the gaming machine 100is part of a network. The gaming machine 100 may also include top glass207 and belly glass 209 for displaying various information such as gamerules or graphics designed to attract players to participate.

Proximate to the primary display 204 are a series of electromechanicalbuttons 206 positioned on the cabinet for use as a user interface forcontrolling game play such as selecting a bet amount, commencing playand cashing out. The specific arrangement and function of each of theelectromechanical buttons 206 is dependent upon the type of game beingplayed on the gaming machine 100. For example, for a Blackjack game, theelectromechanical buttons 206 may include options for placing a bet,cashing out, hitting or standing, doubling down, purchasing insuranceand/or splitting. Alternatively, in a poker game, the electromechanicalbuttons 206 may include options for placing a bet, cashing out and/ordesignating which cards to keep and which to discard. In one embodimentof the present invention, the primary display 204 is a “touch screen”upon which icons corresponding to some or all of the electromechanicalbuttons 206 appear. The user can activate the functions associated withthe icons by simply touching the appropriate area of the primary display204 rather than depressing the electromechanical buttons 206.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine 100includes a wager input interface 208, such as a bill acceptor into whicha player inserts paper currency and receives credit on the gamingmachine 100 for the amount deposited. In alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, the wager input interface 208 can be a ticket readeror a magnetic card reader into which the player places a ticket ormagnetic card encoded with a monetary value purchased from a cashier'sstation or vending machine.

During play of the gaming machine 100, one of a predefined set oftriggering events, such as winning combination (or hand) or a bonusround, may occur, causing the display of said game event on both thedisplay of the gaming machine 100 as well as on a secondary displaywhich is positioned to be viewable by a wide audience of spectators. Atrigger event may be predefined to be the occurrence of a particulargaming event during the play of the associated game. For example, atrigger event may be predefined as when a play has a “pocket-pair”combination in a hand of “Texas Hold'em Poker,” or when a playerreceives an “Ace” during a game of Blackjack. Other events of interestassociated with a particular game may be a predefined trigger event.Alternatively, a trigger event may be a win by the player. For example,when the player wins a hand in video poker or another game of skill, atrigger event may be created to show the winning hand (or move).Multiple trigger events may be predefined to allow for multiple capturesof gaming events which may be displayed at a later time. For example aninstant replay of the winning hand (or move) may require the detectionof multiple trigger events (e.g., one to initiate recording of the eventand one to indicate a stopping of the recording to show the recordedevent).

The components necessary to for the secondary display of the game eventsshall be referred to herein as the “secondary display server.” FIG. 3 isa block diagram of the secondary display server 300 in accordance withthe present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary displayserver 300 comprises a secondary display 302 and a standard PC 304. ThePC includes a motherboard 306 having a graphics card 308, a network card310, a computer processor 312 and a memory storage device 314 such as aflash memory card or hard drive. The secondary display 302 is connectedto the video output of PC 304 via a standard video cable 316. In anexemplary embodiment, the secondary display 302 is a large screen plasmamonitor. Such monitors are extremely thin making them particularlysuitable for mounting at an elevation above the gaming machines allowingthe secondary display 302 to be viewed by a large audience ofindividuals. However, the secondary display 302 could, in thealternative, be a CRT, LCD or any other type of display known in theart.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a game system 400 providing shared displayof game events in accordance with the present invention. The system 400includes one or more gaming machines 100 networked with the secondarydisplay server 300 through an Ethernet connection 402. Each gamingmachine 100 may be located locally or remotely with respect to oneanother.

During normal play of the gaming machines 100, the computer processor312 runs a script stored on the memory storage device 314 causing thesecondary display 302 to display “attract graphics.” The attractgraphics may include, for example, the value of a progressive jackpot,advertisements or graphics from the games played on the gaming machines100. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, attract graphics maybe used in conjunction with the display of the gaming events on thesecondary display upon the occurrence of particular triggering events.For example, “fireworks” may be displayed during the display of awinning slot machine combination shown on the secondary display.

Upon some triggering event occurring during play of one of the gamingmachines 100, such as a player reaching a bonus round or obtaining acertain hand in a poker or blackjack game, the gaming machine 100attempts to initiate a connection with the secondary display server 300using a network protocol such as TCP or UDP. If the secondary displayserver 300 is not already in the process of displaying a game event fromone of the other gaming machines 100, the connection with the secondarydisplay server 300 will succeed indicating that the gaming machine 100as been “selected” for the display of its game events on the secondarydisplay 302. If the secondary display server 300 is already in theprocess of displaying a game event from another gaming machine 100, theconnection will be rejected.

Upon receiving the acknowledgement of connection from the secondarydisplay server 300 that it has been selected, the gaming machine 100sends a “start display” message to the secondary display server 300causing the secondary display server 300 to stop generating the attractgraphics on the secondary display 302 and wait for the parameters to befed across the connection established with the gaming machine 100. In anexemplary embodiment, all data messages sent from the gaming machine 100to the secondary display server 300 are well-formed Extensible MarkupLanguage (XML) data, although other data formats may be used.

At this point, the gaming machine 100 begins sending XML data to thesecondary display server 300, instructing the secondary display server300 as to which images to display on the secondary display 302. In anexemplary embodiment, the images to be displayed on the secondarydisplay server 300 are stored on the memory storage device 314 of thesecondary display server 300 and are generated on the secondary display302 in accordance with instructions contained in the XML data fragmentsreceived from the gaming machine 100. This results in the secondarydisplay 302 mirroring the images displayed on the primary display 204.

Upon the conclusion of the triggering event, the gaming machine 100sends and “end display” message to the secondary display server 300causing the secondary display 302 to cease mirroring the game eventsdisplayed on the primary display 204. At this point, secondary displayserver 300 again causes the secondary display 302 to display the attractgraphics until the next request for connection is received from a gamingmachine 100. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, gameevents displayed on the secondary display can be replayed on thesecondary display pending receipt by the secondary display server of thenest request for connection from a gaming machine 100.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary flowchart of the various functions of a gamingmachine system in accordance with the present invention. As describedwith reference to FIG. 5, the player invokes step 501 to initiate gameplay. First, the player places a wager by inputting currency or a ticketor magnetic card bearing game credits into wager input interface 208 ofthe gaming machine 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the gaming machine indicates the amount of money or creditavailable for the player to bet during play. The player then proceedsindicate the amount to be wagered on a particular play of the game, upto the lesser of the available game credits or the maximum allowable beton the gaming machine. The player starts play of the game by selectingthe appropriate choice among the electromechanical buttons 208.

At the same time the player initiates play of the gaming machine 100 inaccordance with step 501, step 502 is invoked in which the computerprocessor 312 of the secondary display server 300 runs a script storedon the memory storage device 314 causing the secondary display 302 torun in an attract mode, as described above. According to step 504, thesecondary display server 300 continues to run in an attract mode untilreceiving a signal from one of the gaming machines 100 that a bonusround has been triggered.

After the placing of a wager and commencing play of the gaming machine100, the player interacts with the game in accordance with step 501. Forexample, if the game being played on the gaming machine 100 isblackjack, the player is dealt cards and subsequently makes decisionswhether to stand, hit, double down, split or purchase insurance.Alternatively, if the game is poker, the player is dealt cards and makesdecisions to try to achieve the best hand.

According to step 503, if the play of the game on gaming machine 100initiates a bonus round, step 505 is invoked whereupon the graphicsassociated with the bonus round are displayed on the primary display204. Simultaneously, step 507 is invoked in which the gaming machine 100initiates a connection with the secondary display server 300 asdescribed above. If the secondary display server 300 is not already inthe process of displaying a game event from one of the other gamingmachines 100, the connection with the secondary display server 300 willsucceed indicating that the gaming machine 100 as been “selected” forthe display of its game events on the secondary display 302. If thesecondary display server 300 is already in the process of displaying agame event from another gaming machine 100, the connection will berejected and the secondary display 302 of the secondary display server300 will continue displaying the game events from the other gamingmachine 100.

Regardless of whether the connection with the secondary display server300 succeeds or fails, upon initiation of the bonus round in accordancewith step 503 and the display of the bonus round on the primary display204 in accordance with step 505, the player participates in the bonusround in accordance with step 509. In the event that the connection withthe secondary display server 300 has been established in accordance withsteps 507 and 504, step 511 is invoked in which the gaming machine 100sends XML game event packets across the TCP/IP (or UDP) connectionestablished with the secondary display server 300. The secondary displayserver 300 then processes the XML game packets in accordance with step506, causing the secondary display 302 to mirror the images beingdisplayed on the primary display 204 of the gaming machine 100.

This process continues until the bonus round terminates in accordancewith step 513. This occurrence triggers two events. First, the gameplayed on the gaming machine 100 terminates in accordance with step 515and the player may begin a new game in accordance with step 501. Second,the gaming machine 100 sends and XML packet to the secondary displayserver 300 in accordance with step 517, instructing the secondarydisplay server 300 that the bonus round is complete as indicated by step508. The secondary display server 300 then terminates display of thebonus round on the secondary display 302 in accordance with step 510.The secondary display 302 of the secondary display server 300 thenreverts back to the display of the attract mode in accordance with step502 until the next request for connection is received by a gamingmachine 100.

It should be understood that the foregoing descriptions merely relate toillustrative, exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, itshould also be understood that various modifications may be made to theexemplary embodiments described herein within the scope of theinvention, which will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the artin light of the disclosure herein. Moreover, it should be understoodthat exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as those discussedabove, can be implemented in various manners and with varioustechniques, such as but not limited to, manually, automatically, byexecution of computer software, by implementation of electronic and/ordiscrete components, etc., which will also be recognized by one ofordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosure herein.

1. A gaming machine system for providing shared display of game eventscomprising: a gaming machine that includes: a primary display, aprocessor, wherein the processor controls a plurality of game events ofa game displayed on the primary display using a software program storedin a memory storage device associated with the gaming machine, and asecondary display server in communication with the gaming machine over anetwork, wherein the secondary display server is remotely located fromthe gaming machine and wherein upon the occurrence of a triggering eventduring play of the game events on the gaming machine, data istransferred between the gaming machine and the secondary display server;and a secondary display in communication with the secondary displayserver, wherein upon the occurrence of the triggering event, thesecondary display receives data from the secondary display server anddisplays the game events displayed on the primary display of the gamingmachine.
 2. The gaming machine system of claim 1, wherein the secondarydisplay displays a plurality of attract graphics prior to displaying thegame events displayed on the primary display of the gaming machine. 3.The gaming machine system of claim 2, wherein one or more of theplurality of attract graphics are selected from the group consisting ofadvertisements, progressive jackpot information and graphics associatedwith a game displayed on the primary display.
 4. The gaming machine ofclaim 1, wherein the secondary display server replays the games eventson the secondary display pending occurrence of the next triggeringevent.
 5. The gaming machine system of claim 1, wherein the secondarydisplay is a large screen monitor.
 6. The gaming machine system of claim1, wherein the game played on the gaming machine is selected from thegroup consisting of video bingo, video Blackjack, video poker, videokeno and video slots.
 7. The gaming machine system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one interface including a series ofelectromechanical buttons to control game events on the primary displayof the gaming machine.
 8. The gaming machine system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one touch screen interface on the primary display ofthe gaming machine, wherein the touch screen interface accepts commandsto alter at least one game event.
 9. The gaming machine system of claim1, wherein the gaming machine further includes a wager input interfaceselected from the group consisting of a bill acceptor, a ticket readerand a magnetic card reader.
 10. The gaming machine system of claim 1,wherein the data transferred between the gaming machine and thesecondary display server is in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format.11. The gaming machine system of claim 1 wherein the network operatesaccording to a network protocol selected from the group consisting ofTransmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).12. A method of providing shared display of game events between a gamingmachine and a secondary display server comprising accepting a wager at agaming machine via a wager input interface; displaying a plurality ofgame events on a primary display of the gaming machine in response tothe initiation of game play via at least one user interface; upon theoccurrence of a triggering event during play of the game on the gamingmachine, establishing a connection via a network protocol between thegaming machine and a secondary display server remotely located from thegaming machine; transferring data across the connection, wherein thedata includes the plurality of game events; and displaying the pluralityof game events on a secondary display.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the secondary display displays a plurality of attract graphicsprior to displaying the game events displayed on the primary display ofthe gaming machine.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein one or more ofthe plurality of attract graphics are selected from the group consistingof advertisements, progressive jackpot information and graphicsassociated with a game displayed on the primary display.
 15. The methodof claim 12, wherein the secondary display server replays the gamesevents on the secondary display pending occurrence of the nexttriggering event.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the game displayedon the primary display is selected from the group consisting of videobingo, video Blackjack, video poker, video keno and video slots.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, wherein displaying a plurality of game events on aprimary display of the gaming machine in response to the initiation ofgame play via at least one user interface includes providing at leastone interface that includes a plurality of electromechanical buttons.18. The method of claim 12, wherein displaying a plurality of gameevents on a primary display of the gaming machine in response to theinitiation of game play via at least one user interface includesproviding at least one interface that includes a touch screen on theprimary display.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the wager inputinterface accepting a wager is selected from the group consisting of abill acceptor, a ticket reader and a magnetic card reader.
 20. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the data transferred across the connectionis in XML format.